Some people don't like the internet because they think it detracts from real life and local communities. But as a keen blogger, I'll always beg to differ, and it's nice to find examples of sites that help build the local environment in a concrete and useful way. One such site is mySociety, which puts you in touch with services and amenities in your 'hood.
One of the best tools on the site is Fix My Street, which allows you to report problems and annoyances in your area. For example, I've found that in my neighbourhood of London W14, there are complaints of a lack of recycling bins (too right!), a 'wall being used as a toilet' and reports of fly tipping on a main road. All of these issues have been forwarded to the relevant council bods without the unhappy residents having to search for the correct phone number or address, and providing a very easy way for others to track progress. I'm going to give the site a try myself, and request some more orange recycling bags for my block of flats.
...But not before I've thrown a few more 'virtual snowballs' on facebook. Don't forget - the internet is an important and relevant part of community life!
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